Adelaide Oval stands on War Memorial Drive in North Adelaide, on the edge of the parklands between the River Torrens and the city centre. It holds about 53,500 people and hosts Test and one-day cricket, Australian rules football and big concerts, which makes it the heart of the city's sporting life. The guided stadium tour runs for about an hour and a half and takes you through the grandstands and seating areas, where heritage stands sit alongside modern architecture, then into the media centre, the members' and premium areas and the practice nets. Two highlights set it apart: the historic scoreboard, still operated by hand by volunteers, which visitors can step inside, and the Bradman Collection Museum, full of memorabilia and interactive displays. For a bigger thrill the RoofClimb leads you along the stadium roof about 50 metres above the pitch, with wide views of the city, the parklands and, on a clear day, a long way beyond.
What the tour covers
The standard stadium tour is the best value, a guided walk of roughly 90 minutes that works as well for people who have never watched a ball game as for devoted fans. Your guide explains how the ground changed from a leafy nineteenth-century oval into a modern 53,500-seat stadium while keeping its character, and why the scoreboard has become such a landmark.
The Bradman Collection Museum is a quiet, absorbing stop, and photography is not allowed inside it, so take it in with your own eyes. The Sheffield Shield Room, which focuses on domestic cricket, and the practice nets give a sense of how players prepare. The tour ends near the Koffee Ink cafe, a handy place to sit afterwards.
The RoofClimb
This is a separate, more expensive experience and it is a guided walk along the roof of the stadium, about 50 metres above the playing surface. You climb with a guide, you move at a steady pace, and the reward is a 360-degree view over the oval, the River Torrens, the cathedral spires of North Adelaide and the city skyline.
It suits visitors who are comfortable with heights and reasonably mobile, and it is worth choosing a clear day. If you are unsure, start with the stadium tour, which most people find perfectly satisfying on its own.
Planning your visit
Tours do not run every day and they can be affected by matches, concerts and other events, so choose a date from the booking calendar before you plan the rest of the day. Allow time to walk in from the city, because the route along the River Torrens is one of the nicest short walks in Adelaide, and a footbridge crosses the river close to the ground.
City trams run along North Terrace to the area around the railway station, and from there it is a short walk. On event days the surrounding streets are busy, so arrive early. The tour pairs naturally with the Adelaide Zoo and the Botanic Garden on the same side of the city.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walking tour of the stadium, with an optional guided climb along the roof as a separate experience.
Best time
A clear day for the RoofClimb views, and a day without a match or concert so the tour can reach the full route.
How long
The stadium tour takes about an hour and a half, and the RoofClimb is a separate booking.
Tips
Book a specific date, wear flat closed shoes, and put the camera away inside the Bradman Collection, where photography is not allowed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Sport fans and curious first-timers who want a quick, rewarding look behind the scenes of a famous ground.
- Families
- Children who like climbing and big spaces enjoy the stadium tour, and the RoofClimb suits older, confident kids.
- Couples
- Pair the tour with a riverside walk back toward the city, then a relaxed drink in North Adelaide.
- Pair with
- Adelaide Zoo and the Botanic Garden are both on the same side of the city centre.
- Time needed
- Allow about two hours for the tour and the walk, or half a day with the RoofClimb.
Good questions
How long is the Adelaide Oval stadium tour?+
The guided stadium tour takes about an hour and a half. It covers the grandstands, media areas, scoreboard and the Bradman Collection Museum.
Do I need to like cricket or football?+
Not at all, because the guides explain the history and the architecture as well as the sport. Many visitors come simply to see the scoreboard and the views.
What is the RoofClimb?+
It is a guided walk along the stadium roof about 50 metres above the pitch, with panoramic views. It is a separate, higher-priced experience and suits people comfortable with heights.
Can I take photos on the tour?+
Photography is generally fine around the stadium, but it is not allowed inside the Bradman Collection Museum. Your guide will explain any other limits on the day.
Does the tour run every day?+
No, tour days are limited and can change around matches, concerts and other events. Choose a date from the booking calendar and check the details before you travel.
